Angry Warnock lambasts officials

Last updated : 18 February 2010 By BBC Sport

"Their second goal was a disgrace," said Warnock. "It comes off (Villa's Nathan) Delfouneso and neither of them wanted to make a decision.

"He should be banned for weeks should Mr Massey. All he can do is smile."

The cash-strapped Eagles led 2-1 with three minutes remaining thanks to a stunning free-kick by Darren Ambrose.

But the officials seemed to incorrectly award the Premier League side a corner after the ball had hit Delfouneso, although the incident did occur at high speed with the referee outside the penalty area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's what the FA Cup is all about - a packed stadium, great atmosphere, great spirit from the players and a credit to the magical competition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

corzellian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the resulting set-piece, Stiliyan Petrov headed home a dramatic equaliser to take the tie to a replay at Villa Park on Wednesday 24 February.

"I am absolutely devastated," said Warnock. "All my career I've had to battle against odds. We played a Premier League team and worked our socks off."

When asked if he had spoken to the officials, Warnock replied: "They don't say anything, do they?

"They said to come back in half hour after I'd calmed down and then they say 'we'll have a look at it on the video and get some feedback from our assessors'."

Palace, who are in administration, took the lead when Johnny Ertl rose highest to not past Brad Friedel.

But James Collins soon equalised with a glancing header from Stewart Downing's free-kick.

Ambrose's superb free-kick looked to have won a famous victory for a side who have been advertised for sale in the Financial Times and docked 10 points in the Championship after going into administration.

"I thought Villa were outstanding and they had to be to play against us. We were committed and that is a travesty for my lot," Warnock added.

"But we have shown we have a lot of talent and we are a genuine club, it was a great cup tie. It was a great game where we struggled early on but came back well."

Despite Warnock's anger, a draw may well prove to be the best result for Palace in terms of their finances with the replay at Villa Park also expected to be televised.

If Palace can come through the replay, they are set for an away tie against either Reading or West Brom in the last eight.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport